Secondary Coach McDermott to Run Defense if Johnson Can’t Return?

Today’s Philly Enquirer reports that secondary coach Sean McDermott could take over the defense for Jim Johnson should the great coach not be able to return because of his health:

What Russ Huesman didn’t see was the intensity, the intelligence, and the will that drove /Sean McDermott to become an all-conference safety and a coach highly regarded enough by coach Andy Reid to have him take charge of the NFC’s defense in the Pro Bowl.

McDermott assumed the role because Johnson is undergoing radiation treatments at Bryn Mawr Hospital for cancer in his spine. It is unclear if Johnson’s health will allow him to return. If not, McDermott could succeed him because Reid has a track record of promoting from within his staff.

McDermott, 34, joined the Eagles’ staff in 2000 as assistant to the head coach, only two years after serving one season as a graduate assistant under William and Mary coach Jimmye Laycock. He has since been a defensive assistant in charge of quality control, coach of the safeties, linebackers coach, and is now in charge of the secondary.